For the past few minutes (though it feels much longer), you've been desperately trying to move away from Shenhe's firm hold on your shirt. Every time you attempt to tug the fabric out, she simply holds on even tighter.

Luckily there aren't many curious nor concerned gazes around, because you're certain you look absolutely ridiculous right now, struggling to shift away from the table as Shenhe's face remains unwavering—blank with no signs of holding you captive.

Her hands under the table tells a different story, of course.

You heave a jaded sigh and slump into the seat, leaning your head back. "Didn't we settle on an agreement earlier?" you remind. "Don't say you changed your mind!"

"I don't understand. I don't believe we promised to keep with my initial answer, so wouldn't it be fine for me to change my thoughts?" she asks, her voice as gentle and calm as ever—a contrast from your raised one.

"It would've been okay if you let me know before we got to the restaurant."

"Is that so? The instructions should have been more clear."

Now what are you supposed to tell your friends when they arrive? All of you were excited to be in the company of one another, eating and drinking after so long.

Itto and Lisa were especially looking forward to meeting the new friend that you made while studying in Liyue. It took some careful consideration before Shenhe accepted the invitation, and you were glad to see her take that small step into doing something daunting and new.

But here you are, back to stage one.

As much as you want to stay and spend some time with everyone, your friend's comfort is much more important. A gathering is always more enjoyable when each person is having a good time, and either way, there are still more chances to meet up.

Just as you're about to suggest for her to hide in the back while you let them know the truth, her fingers drop the corner of your shirt. She closes her eyes for a moment, mumbling some words under her breath.

"Shenhe?" you call out softly.

Her eyes flutter open, and while she is smoothing out her dress, she says, "I am prepared."

"You... changed your mind again? You don't have to force yourself to do this, you know. I know this is difficult for you, and that's okay."

"(Y/N)—"

Loud, clacking footsteps can be heard from nearby, followed by a, "Reserved table under the name of (Y/N)!" Then, the footsteps continue into the room where you are at, revealing a familiar white-haired male.

"Heeey, did ya miss me?!" Itto shouts, waving his hands around.

Softer footsteps, sounding so elegant and mature, follow shortly after. Her familiar purple hat comes into view, and a pair of emerald green eyes sweep the place before landing on you. She smiles and raises a gloved hand in greeting.

"Itto, lower your voice, will you? The customers are trying to enjoy their quiet meal," Lisa scolds gently, patting him on the shoulder.

"Yes, Mom..." He pouts, but his face lights up upon seeing you get up from the seat.

You almost fall over from Itto's sudden and intense hug. He picks you up and spins you around, laughing and rambling about how much he missed you: your presence, your smile, your voice...

Everything about you.

And you missed him just as much too. He has a natural ability to make his friends feel comforted and warm under his touches and reassuring words.

As much as you want to indulge in his warmth for just a moment longer, you feel yourself getting pulled away quickly by a cold hand and pushed behind someone with silvery hair.

Oh no. Not again.

"Wait, Shen—"

She doesn't listen as she kicks Itto's leg, causing him to naturally drop to the ground on his knees. Then she grabs his arms and crosses them behind his back, holding him into place.

"Do not move if you wish to keep your legs and arms," she warns.

"Uhhh, can I get some help here, Lisa?! This crazy lady is trying to kill me! No way she's the Shenhe (Y/N) was talking about!" Itto wriggles his arms around, looking up at you and Lisa with a pout.

Lisa laughs and takes a seat at the table, crossing one leg over the other in a leisurely manner. She hums and says, "I quite like this 'crazy lady'."

"Lisaaa...!" Itto whines.

You sigh and pull Shenhe's hands away from your poor friend, immediately explaining to her that his hug is something he always do whenever he sees any of his friends. She flickers her blank gaze back to him once more before turning to you again.

"I didn't appreciate how he had his hands around you like that. But..." she trails off, pausing for a bit, "...if you don't mind, and he has no ill intentions..."

Shenhe offers a hand down to Itto, and he takes it after giving some wary glances to you and Lisa. Although the initial meeting isn't a positive one, at this moment, things seem to be much more relaxed. You're relieved to see the silver-haired female starting over and introducing herself.

Hearing Itto accept her apology with his usual laugh makes you sigh in content.

-♡-

Itto's main reasoning for wanting to be friends with Lisa is simply because she reminds him of an Onikabuto beetle.